After losing out on the MVP, a place in the WNBA finals was next on the line for Napheesa Collier. In Game 3 of the Semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, with 30 seconds to go and a 4-point Mercury lead, Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Collier while running into her ankle and sealed her win. Since then, Collier has been working on her way back and hoping to get back to basketball at Unrivaled. However, it seems a lengthy stint on the sidelines awaits Collier.

“Napheesa Collier will miss the upcoming Unrivaled season and potentially the start of the WNBA season as she plans to undergo surgery on both ankles, Unrivaled announced Thursday. The surgery is expected to occur next week,” reported Ben Pickman of the Athletic. “The league said her expected timeline for recovery is four to six months, which could run into the Minnesota Lynx’s season.”

While the announcement confirmed the seriousness of the situation, Collier herself had sounded so optimistic not long ago, believing rehab alone might be enough to get her back on the court. “I’m still working to get back to 100%.” Collier said a couple of weeks ago, “I’m still doing my rehab every day, it’s gotten way, way better. I’m just taking it every day at a time. I’m excited to get back out there.” 

However, she is now ruled out of the upcoming Unrivaled season. Naturally, the fans sent their best wishes to the Minnesota Lynx star with some criticism to the Minnesota Lynx sprinkled in.

Fans Rally Around Napheesa Collier Following Surgery Decision

“Feel horrible for her, she makes the game more fun to watch. Hoping for full recovery 🙏” Collier was already suffering from ankle issues, which kept her out for three weeks during the season. That impact in the semifinals just aggravated the same injury as she screamed in agony after the contact and walked off in tears. Initially, it seemed she would be ready for the Unrivaled season starting January 5th, but it was not to be. 

“4-6 months?? 💔💔💔 heal up phee 🫶🏼” wrote another fan. The recovery time is longer than a traditional ankle surgery because Collier is operating on both of her ankles.  Even for many ankle surgeries, patients often spend about 2–6 weeks immobilized in a cast/boot with limited weight bearing, followed by “several weeks” of physical therapy.  

The 2025 season seemed like it belonged to Napheesa Collier, until that first ankle injury. She was averaging 23.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while being the MVP front-runner.  Minnesota had moved to 24-5 and was looking invincible. A’ja Wilson caught up in the time Collier was out. Her second ankle injury in Game 3 was the final straw for the Lynx’s title challenge as well.

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“Both ankles?? Wow,” exclaimed another fan. Initially, it seemed only her left ankle was serious enough for possible surgery. The initial reporting regarding her right ankle injury was only reported as a ‘sprain’. It seems that the injury was more serious than we thought. And she would likely like to be completely fit for the World Cup in September. She could still miss a part of the 2026 WNBA season. 

“Why didn’t she go under surgery immediately when the season ended? This is bad management by the organisation,” said another fan. Valid question, Collier suffered with a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in her ankle and a muscle in her shin, according to ESPN. Initially, Collier and her medical team thought she could recover in time for the Unrivaled season only with physiotherapy. 

According to Athletic, her medical team, “involving staff from Unrivaled and the Lynx, determined she needs multiple procedures following additional exams during Unrivaled’s preseason.” The injury situation is more nuanced. Surgery is generally the final option in sports medicine. Conservative treatment can allow athletes to return without the risks that surgery carries, like the loss of mobility, complications, or prolonged recovery. So, only when athletes are absolutely sure regarding a surgery is the decision made. 

With the traditional WNBA season starting in mid-May, she could miss the first two months of the regular season. However, Collier could move from the Lynx this offseason as she is a free agent. In any case, her long-term health would have been the priority for the Lynx management and Collier.